Tesla Allowed To Open 2nd Va. Dealership, DMV Says

Law360, New York (December 1, 2016, 1:12 PM EST) -- The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles on Wednesday granted Tesla Motors Inc. permission to open a second company-owned dealership in the state, shutting down arguments by a dealership association that the electric automaker cannot sell vehicles directly to customers because of its status as a manufacturer.

Virginia DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb found that Tesla can establish a new dealership in Richmond because no independent dealer in the area is available to own and operate the facility in “a manner consistent with the public interest.” The...